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VISITING THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
ENTRANCES
At the entrance to each of the recreational areas along the Parkway, you will find a large sign bearing the Parkway emblem.
DRIVING THE PARKWAY
The speed limit is 45 miles per hour (a little less in some places). The Parkway was designed for leisurely motoring. Take your time and discover the subtlety as well as the grandeur of this special place.
You do not have to be at an overlook to stop and enjoy the scenery.
Unless otherwise posted, parking is permitted along road shoulders.
Choose a place where you can pull your car completely off the road so as not to endanger yourself or others. Be alert for wildlife. Deer and other animals may dart in front of you.
Extra vigilance is needed when driving in fog and rain. Slow down and turn on your headlights. A little caution will help assure that inclement weather only dampens picnics and temporarily impairs the scenic views.
Motorcyclists should be especially alert. Helmets are required for operators and passengers. In North Carolina, the headlight must be on anytime a motorcycle is in motion.
If in an accident, try to prevent others from becoming involved by using reflective warning devices or flares, or by positioning someone beside the road to flag oncoming vehicles. Notify a Park Ranger at a nearby visitor center or campground or call (800) 727-5928.
SPECIAL INFO
Interpretive signs carrying the squirrel gun and powder horn symbol will be found at many overlooks and historic sites along the parkway.
 MILEPOSTS
Along the Parkway, you will observe numbered mileposts. The zero milepost marker is at Rockfish Gap, immediately south of Shenandoah National Park, and each mile is numbered progressively southward on the Parkway.
LODGING AND DINING
Concession operated lodges are located at Peaks of Otter, Doughton Park and Mount Pisgah. Housekeeping cabins are available at Rocky Knob.
Restaurants and other facilities and services are also available at a number of locations. Most concessions open in mid- or late April and a few are open year-round. Nearby communities offer additional accommodations and services.
ACCESS
Most Parkway facilities shown are "Wheelchair Useable." Some facilities have minor slope and/or structural barriers.
H = Wheelchair Accessible. HP = Accessible with Assistance.
HPA = Located in picnic area. X = Not accessible to the handicapped.
To inquire about specified facilities please contact Park Headquarters
(828) 271-4779
Humpback Rocks 5.8 H H H HP H X
Otter Creek 60.0 H HP
James River 63.6 HP HP H HP X
Peaks of Otter 86 H H H H H HP
BRP Visitor Center 115 H H H H H
Roanoke Mt. 120.4 X HP
Smart View 154.5 HP H
Rocky Knob 169 H H H H X HP
Mabry Mill 176.1 HP HP HP HP
Ground Hog Mt. 189 HP H
Cumberland Knob 217.5 H H H H
Brinegar Cabin 238.5 X
Doughton Park 241.1 H X HP HP
Jeffress Park 272 HP H
Cone Park 294.1 H H H H H
Price Park 297.1 HP H HP H
Linn Cove Viaduct 305 H H H H
Linville Falls 316.4 H H X H H
Minerals Museum 331 H H H H H
Crabtree Meadows 339.5 H HP H H
Craggy Gardens 364.6 H H H HPA H
Folk Art Center 382 H H H H H
Mt. Pisgah 408 X HP H HP
Waterrock Knob 451.2 H H H H
For more information about access, please contact the park Access Coordinator, Blue Ridge Parkway, 199 Hemphill Knob Road, Asheville, NC 28803, (828)
271-4779.
GAS AVAILABILITY
Gasoline
is not available on the
parkway, but is available not far off
the Parkway at many US
or State Highway
Intersections, including
those below.
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Virginia
US 250 - MP 0
US 60 - MP 45.6
US 501 - MP 63.9
US 460 - MP 95.9
VA 24 - MP 112.2
US 220 - MP 121.4
US 58 - MP 177.7
US 52 - MP 199.4
VA 89 - MP 215.8
North Carolina
US 21 - MP 229.7
NC 18 - MP 248.1
NC 16 - MP 261.2
US 321 - MP 291.9
NC 181 - MP 312
US 221 - MP 317.5
NC 226 - MP 330.9
NC 226A - MP 334
US 70 - MP 382.4
US 74A - MP 384.7
NC 191 - MP 393.6
US 25 - MP 388.1
US 276 - MP 411.9
US 74/23 - MP 443.1
US 19 - MP 445.7
PROGRAMS
Rangers and volunteers present a variety of interpretive programs June through October. These are given on weekends and occasionally on weekdays. Activities include campfire talks, music and history demonstrations, nature walks and slide presentations. Program types and subject matter vary from area to area and week to week. Schedules are posted at visitor centers, campground entrances and Parkway concessions.
PARK WATCH
The Blue Ridge parkway has implemented a program called Park Watch. The objective is to encourage park visitors and neighbors to take a more active role in protecting and preserving their park. You are asked to be alert and to report any uncontrolled fires, emergencies, accidents, safety hazards, vandalism, and crime to a park employee or call toll-free 1-800-PARKWATCH (1-800-727-5928). For general Parkway information, call: (828)
298-0398. |
